2000 380 Sundancer Diesel

lslavick

Member
Apr 8, 2018
71
Pickwick Lake
Boat Info
2003 460 Sundancer
Engines
Cummins 480CE
I am looking at a 2000 380DA with Diesel's. I notice on the Sea Ray specifications sheet it lists 2 diesel options for that year.

VD-T-CAT3116TA Caterpillar®
(T-292 hp - 218 kW)

VD-T-CAT3116TA Caterpillar®
(T-340 hp - 254 kW)

But, in the boat the engines say 3126 350-HP

Can someone educate me?

Thanks!
 
The 3116's are mechanical controlled injector motors while the 3126's are the same basic block but with electronically control injectors. I have attached a 3116 spec sheet.

Frank Webster is the Cat guru and I am sure he can fill in many more details.
 

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The 3116's are mechanical controlled injector motors while the 3126's are the same basic block but with electronically control injectors. I have attached a 3116 spec sheet.

Frank Webster is the Cat guru and I am sure he can fill in many more details.

Thanks!
 
Hold on...

There are 3116-TA, 3126-TA And 3126B engines. Most if not all late 90s and early 2000 Sea Rays have 3116-TA, or 3126-TA. I have never seen a 3126B, but I guess it could exist.

The TA engines are mechanical governed, the B are electronic .

All are inline 6 cylinder turbo asperated. The 3116 are 1.1 litre per cylinder or 6.6 litre total and the 3126 are 1.2 litre per cylinder or 7.2 total.

You will find 3116-TA around but what I saw was mostly 3126-TA.

Both great engines.
 
Last edited:
The 350hp 3126 is a later or next generation of the smaller inline 6 Cat engine. It is the same basic engine as the 3126 385/420 hp mechanical engine that preceeds it. This was Cats method for meeting increasing emission standards for marine diesels. The Cat unit injection on the 3116TA ans 3126TA is a superb design, smoke free, very efficient but the injectors mechanically fired and do not lend themselves to adjustments in timing while running.The 3126B (350hp) engineuses electronic injectors and they are adjustable by the engine ECM.

Some earlier 3126TA was also affected by the French or soft block problem and a valve failure problem. The later 350 hp 3126B solved both of those issues.

All 3116 and the 3126B engines are superb, efficient and smoke free engines and all do a great job in the 380DA. If you find a boat with either the 385 or 420 HP 3126TA in it then you must do your due diligence in checking out the potential for the oft block or FAPS block problem. If you do come across one and are contemplating making an offer for it, then contact me by PM and I'll explain the process.....that discussion is too long and off the subject of this thread.
 
What engine is this?
6590007_0_030220181236_31.jpg
6590007_0_030220181236_30.jpg
 
Those are 3126-TA 350 hp.

If they check out, that would be a nice nice ride!

The only downside would be the engine room might be pretty tight with those bad boys in there!

Tough problems to have...
 

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